Toronto Blue Jays option All-Star RHP Aaron Sanchez to minors

The Toronto Blue Jays optioned right-hander Aaron Sanchez to Class A Dunedin on Sunday despite the All-Star pitcher having the fifth-lowest ERA in the American League this season.

The Blue Jays are trying to limit Sanchez's innings and it is unlikely he will pitch at Dunedin. Sanchez is expected to be recalled to start against the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 31 after he spends the required 10 days in the minors.

The 24-year-old Sanchez is 12-2 with a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and a career-high 156 1/3 innings, with 132 strikeouts and 46 walks.

Sanchez started Saturday against the Cleveland Indians but he gave up a five runs in the fourth. He pitched four innings, allowing five runs (four earned) and four hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons had hinted that Sanchez would get a break after Saturday's outing.

"There's a chance we could back him off after that. Get a little breather there," Gibbons said Friday. "(The six-man rotation) is not necessarily ideal but they've all responded so far, one go-around they've all been fine for the most part. We'll run it and see how it works, and then we'll give Sanchie what he needs. If we give him a little break everyone else will fall in place on their regular turn, anyway."

Left-hander Aaron Loup was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take Sanchez's spot on the roster. Loup has pitched in 10 games out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays this season, with a 6.00 ERA over six innings.